Why can't I get pregnant?
placeholding invisible text
placeholding invisible text
If you haven't got pregnant as fast as you thought don't automatically assume that you or your partner are infertile, or that fertility treatments are the only option.
It might seem that for some people, especially ones who get pregnant without trying, that it's straightforward but having a baby depends on everything being just right, including your lifestyle.
That's why we've got a list of 10 reasons that could explain why you're not pregnant yet. Have a look through and see if any apply to you and your partner, we've then got tips, advice and support to help you if they do. Don't leave having a baby to chance, let us help you.
1. You're not having enough sex!
It seems like a straightforward one but the more you have sex the more chance there is that you'll conceive. A lot of couples, when trying for a baby, go from having sex maybe once or twice a fortnight to once a week and it might still not be enough.
- Expert advice on having more sex
2. You're having sex at the wrong times
Having problems knowing when you're ovulating? Either you're struggling to work it out properly or just don't know where to start.
It's absolutely crucial when trying for a baby that you have sex when the egg, and your whole body, is ready to be fertilised and the only way you'll know this for sure is to know what happens during ovulation and what your cycle is. Or you could have sex every day just in case!
- 10 things you need to know about ovulation
- Ovulation date calculator
3. You or your partner smoke
When you do get pregnant it'll be best for the baby if you gave up smoking anyway so why not give it a go while your trying.
Smoking lowers a man's sperm count and reduces your fertility so it will make getting pregnant a lot harder.
It even lowers your energy levels so you might not be having sex as much as maybe you should be.
- Visit our Stop Smoking Clinic for help and advice on quitting
Read on: Reasons 4 - 7
By Vicky Woollaston
Average rating:
Where to next?
-
Be careful with medicines
-
Ditch the cigarettes
-
Fertility drugs 'don't work'
-
Have more sex!
-
Having problems conceiving?
-
'I'm pregnant with twins thanks to IVF!'
-
'I thought we'd conceive straightaway'
-
Keep a diary while you're trying to conceive
-
Problems getting pregnant?
-
Taking the stress out of trying for a baby
-
Weight can affect your fertility
-
What is the best age to have a baby?
Please leave a comment, tip or story in the box below
John, 8 months
Thanks for a very well written article. You are right about the reasons highlighted why most ladies don't get pregnant. I am particular about the "Making love at the wrong times". There are indeed the right time but most people dont know. Instead, they make love just about anytime, but that's wrong if you are serious about getting pregnant. Thanks a lot once again for a very well written one.
Report this commentlisa craik, about 1 year
hi ive been on the pill since i was 15 i stoped taking it 10months ago to try for a baby with my partner and nothing has happen yet we really want a baby and its ow getting me down cause all my mates are pregnant and it never seems to be could you give me any advice on wat we can do thnaks lisa craik
Report this commentdawn, about 1 year
I have been with my partner for 2yrs and been trying for 2yrs we have 7 kids between us so there is no problem with having kids until now. im 33 so is he, we had fertility tests and it shows he has a low sperm count im confused because his previous relationship he had 2 children with and the youngest is just over 2. Nothing has changed in his lifestyle prior to his relationship before me which gets me wondering it could be me to even though the tests come back as good, could it be some else that needs looking into.I get very depressed every month when i come on and feel no one understands i would like to see if there is anything to boost his sperm count !!
Report this comment
carla, 7 months
i was on the pill and came off it as i was putting a bit of weight on while taking it and i also wanted to try for a baby with my partner..from i stopped taking my pill in august 08 i have only had one period,and yet it wasnt like a real period..am i right to be worried?
Report this comment